PREP TIME 5 min
The Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. Associated with sophistication, class, and 007 of course, the Martini has cemented itself as an iconic staple. In fact, there are now so many Martini variations that some bars have whole menus dedicated to them, with a dazzling array of dry, wet, sweet, and spicy concoctions. But to set your standards suitably high, it’s time to try our very best Classic Martini recipe.
Add ice to a large mixing glass
Add the gin, vermouth and orange bitters
Stir until chilled (about 30 seconds)
Strain into a chilled Martini glass
Express the lemon peel over the top of the drink, rub it down the stem of the glass and then drop it into the drink
Garnish with an olive, and serve
This is one of the most popular drinks in the world, so it makes sense that there are tons of stories about where the Martini originated. You can choose which one you like best:
If you don’t know what a Martini drink is made up of, you’ll probably be surprised by its simplicity. With only two key ingredients—gin or vodka and dry vermouth, making a Martini is all about using the best spirits and getting the ratios right.
James Bond famously asked for his Martini to be “shaken, not stirred”, however, Martini experts generally disagree with this. This is because shaking the drink causes more of the ice to chip off and melt, diluting and altering the temperature of your Martini. Stirring Martinis gently with a cocktail stirrer results in a silkier mouthfeel and stops them from becoming cloudy.
Martini purists argue that a drink can only be called a real Martini if it’s made with gin and that anything else simply doesn’t count. But as time has gone by, you’re now just as likely to see modern martinis made with vodka, fruit or sparkling wine-based varieties like the Champagne Martini.
As one of the only two ingredients of a classic Martini, dry vermouth plays a very important role in this iconic recipe. Typically clear or pale yellow in colour, it is classed as a light and airy fortified wine. The best type to use has well-integrated floral, fruity, and herbal notes. This is particularly true of Cinzano Vermouth Bianco, which pairs beautifully with the botanical flavours of gin.
Sweet vermouth, on the other hand, has a richer infusion of herbs and spices, which gives it a deeper amber colour. It imparts hearty notes of spices like vanilla, caramel, and darker fruits, that underpin classic cocktails like the Negroni and Manhattan.
More about vermouth: Everything You Need to Know About Vermouth
The Classic Martini may seem like a deceptively simple combination of gin and dry vermouth, but there are many ways to shake up this particular combo. Here are a few variations to try if you’re on a mission to pinpoint your favourite:
More martinis this way: 22 Types of Martinis You Should Know
Lemon peel is a classic choice as a Martini garnish. It adds a bright and citrussy zing to the drink that makes the rest of the flavours pop. A lemon twist is also simple to make.
If you prefer a more savoury flavour profile, olives are a great garnish choice. For a classic Martini, the most common type of olive used is the pitted green olive. The brininess and saltiness of the olive add a complementary flavour to the drink and helps to balance the taste of the gin. You can either use whole olives or stuff them with ingredients such as blue cheese or almonds to add an extra pop of flavour.
More garnish ideas: 16 Creative Cocktail Garnish Ideas for Your Next Cocktail Night
